Visakhapatnam, once known for its serene beaches and vibrant culture, is now caught in the clutches of cyber criminals, with residents falling victim to a variety of scams. The rise in cyber fraud has alarmed local authorities, as both men and women—regardless of age—find themselves ensnared in intricate traps designed to exploit their trust.
One of the most concerning trends has been the honeytrap cases, where victims are threatened with legal repercussions to extort money. Reports indicate that a well-organized gang has been operating in the area, strategically planning their scams and leveraging technology to threaten victims. The police have discovered that these criminals obstruct legal proceedings to intimidate their targets further, creating a vicious cycle of fear and financial loss.
Chinese Cyber Gang Operating in Visakhapatnam
In a shocking revelation, law enforcement has uncovered a Chinese cyber gang that set up a call center in Visakhapatnam. This operation is believed to be behind various frauds, including stock marketing scams and FedEx-related deception. A recent police raid on the Sea Smile apartment led to the arrest of seven individuals connected to this gang, who were reportedly involved in online betting and funneling money to China and Taiwan.
Targeting Vulnerable Populations
Cyber criminals in Visakhapatnam are not just targeting the financially naive; they are also zeroing in on doctors and university graduates, collecting money under the guise of digital arrests. The tactics used by these fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with women and young girls frequently becoming victims of indecent messages and false campaigns. There is growing anxiety among working women in the area as they become targets of harassment through fake IDs and scams.
Data Entry Job Fraud
Adding to the distress, the local populace has also fallen victim to a horrific scam involving data entry jobs abroad. Telugu individuals were lured to Cambodia with promises of employment, only to find themselves forced into training for online frauds. Recently, police rescued 58 individuals who had been trapped by this gang, highlighting the extreme lengths to which these criminals will go.
Police Response and Community Awareness
In response to this growing menace, Vizag CP Sankhabrata Bagchi is spearheading efforts to crack down on cyber crimes. Under his leadership, the police are producing a documentary aimed at raising awareness about various types of cyber fraud, detailing how these scams operate and the methods employed by criminals. Once completed, this documentary will be screened in theaters, bus stands, and shopping complexes to educate the public about staying vigilant against cyber threats.
The situation in Visakhapatnam serves as a cautionary tale for communities everywhere, underscoring the importance of awareness and proactive measures in combating cyber crime.
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